Monday, November 19, 2012

MMGM - The Oddkins

 
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Shannon Whitney Messenger decided it was time to give middle grade stories the attention they deserve, and "Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays" was born. 
 
 
The Oddkins
by Dean Koontz
 
 

Netgalley Blurb:
Blockbuster author Dean Koontz’s first novel for young readers, a beautifully illustrated and visually stunning story about a magical band of living toys who learn to overcome the fears we all face in the dark
Toymaker Isaac Bodkins created the Oddkins, a group of living toys, for very special children who face difficulties in life and need true friends. There’s Amos, the brave stuffed bear; Skippy, the rabbit who dreams of being a superstar; Butterscotch, the gentle, floppy-eared pup; Burl the elephant; the wise and scholarly Gibbons; and Patch the cat. The Oddkins are given to children to inspire, support, and love them, especially during times of adversity. Only now, the toys themselves are the ones who need help.
Before he dies, Mr. Bodkins delivers a dire warning to Amos the bear: Watch out for an evil toymaker and his dangerous creations! Locked up in the dark sub-basement, another group of toys is climbing out of boxes and crates and coming to life as well. These bad toys—like Rex and Lizzie, the puppets with no strings; Gear, the vicious robot; and Stinger, the horrid buzzing bumblebee with his knife-sharp stinger—were made to hurt children, not help them. Leering, laughing, and deadly, they are let loose into the world by a terrifying force.
Frightening as it may be, the Oddkins must go on a journey to find Colleen Shannon, Mr. Bodkins’s chosen successor as a life-giving toymaker and the only person who can save them. The stormy night is perilous and the Oddkins face a danger that threatens not only their magic . . . but the magic in us all.

This was a better read than I expected. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, their journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the stark contrast between good and evil. And the illustrations are wonderful! This is one to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.




13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't think I've never read a Dean Koontz novel in my life. I actually just checked a list of his books and he's written over 100 novels. Crazy to imagine.

In any case, if I were to try a Koontz novel, it probably be this one. :-) thanks.

Danika

Michael G-G said...

"Better read than I expected." I know, why did I have a sinking feeling too, when I saw that Dean Koontz was the author?!

However, it does go to show that children's books is where it's at right now. Every adult author and their cousin seems to be writing for children nowadays.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Was surprised to see that it was written by Dean Koontz. Sounds like a good book for younger middle grade readers. Happy Thanksgiving!

Joanne R. Fritz said...

Hmm. I've never read anything by Dean Koontz and I'm not sure I want to read his adult stuff, but this sounds cool. Like Toy Story on steroids. Miss you around the blogosphere, Shannon. You must be one busy person.

Andrea Mack said...

I think my daughter would enjoy this one. Thanks for featuring it!

Jennifer R said...

This definitely sounds like an interesting read. Thanks for highlighting it!

Kelly Polark said...

I did NOT know that Dean Koontz wrote an mg! Sounds interesting!

Anonymous said...

I've heard of this one. Should add it to my wish list. Sounds like it will be interesting to read.

Diane Estrella said...

I didn't know he did kids books. Cool.

Just noticed your Kidlitosphere blog button. I spoke for them in NYC in September. I spoke on the Benefits of Blogging. you can see my presentation at my site under "resume."

Hope all else is well with you!

Diane :O)
www.dianeestrella.com

Theresa Milstein said...

Ooo, what a fabulous idea for a middle grade. I can see this being a wonderful movie too.

DMS said...

I had no idea that Dean Koontz had written a book for MG kids. This sounds interesting- I will have to check it out! Great review.
~Jess

-blessed holy socks, the non-perishable-zealot said...

Greetings, earthling!! Shouldn’t be long, gottawanna run back to Heaven; however, in the meantime, take anything and everything you wanna from our wonderfull, plethora-of-thot to write the next, great masterpeace -if- I can but kiss your gorgeous, adorable feets and/or cuddle withe greatest, ex-mortal-girly-ever to arrive in Seventh Heaven. Think about it. Do it! Get back with me Upstairs, k? God bless you, doll: pleasure-beyond-measure is waiting in the Great Beyond for you and eye. PS: the musical term MORENDO means dying-away in tone-and-time. How verrry apropos for U.S. …thewarningsecondcoming.com

Heather said...

Wow, really, Dean Koontz. That's a shocker. But then I guess if Cliver Barker can do it, then why not Dean!

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